It is no secret that social media has taken over the world. In fact, social media platforms have become so popular that they have even managed to infiltrate the world of business and commerce, and this is where social commerce comes in.
In recent years, social commerce has become a popular topic of discussion among businesses and entrepreneurs. Social commerce falls under the e-commerce umbrella, which is projected to reach $4.2 trillion this year.
Despite its popularity, there are still many misconceptions about social commerce.
In this blog post, we'll dispel some of the most common myths about social commerce and share five social commerce trends that businesses should be aware of.
Social commerce is only for big businesses
One common misconception about social commerce is that it's only for big businesses when it is the opposite. As per Statista eight in ten companies anticipate selling through social media within the next three years and this also includes small businesses.
Social commerce is a great way for small businesses to connect with their customers and create a more personal shopping experience. In fact, many small businesses are already using social commerce platforms like Facebook and Instagram to sell their products and services.
Social commerce is only about selling products
While it's true that social commerce platforms like Facebook and Twitter can be used to sell products, there's a lot more to it than that. Social commerce is also about building relationships and engaging with customers.
It's about creating a community around your brand and your products. Businesses can also use social media to build trust, develop brand awareness, and drive traffic to their website or store. So, if you're only using social media to sell products, you're missing out on the true power of social commerce.
Social commerce is only for eCommerce stores
There is a common misconception that social commerce is only suitable for businesses that sell products online and this is far from the truth! Social commerce can be used by any business, that wants to use social media to drive sales, whether online or offline.
Additionally, businesses that sell to other businesses (B2B) can also use social media platforms to drive sales. In fact, social commerce can be particularly effective for B2B businesses, as it can help them build relationships with their target audience and create a more personal connection with potential customers.
Social commerce is a new phenomenon
One of the most common misconceptions about social commerce is that it's a new phenomenon. While social commerce is certainly growing in popularity, it's not a new phenomenon. Businesses have been using social media platforms to sell products and services for many years. What is new, however, is the way in which businesses are using social media platforms to drive sales.
Plus, social media platforms are constantly evolving, which means there are always new opportunities for businesses to explore. For example, Instagram recently introduced shoppable posts, which allows businesses to tag products in their posts and link directly to product pages.
Social commerce is only viable on certain platforms
Social commerce can be successful on any platform that allows for social interaction and the exchange of information. The key to success is to identify the platform that best suits your needs and then create a presence that is engaging and informative.
There are several different social commerce platforms out there, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you are selling products that are visual in nature, then a platform like Pinterest or Instagram would be ideal. If you are selling products that are more conceptual, then a platform like Twitter or Facebook would be a better fit.
These are just some of the most common misconceptions about social commerce. If you're thinking about using social media to drive sales, it's important to do your research and make sure you understand how social commerce works.
Key Takeaway
There's no doubt that social commerce can be a powerful tool for businesses, but it's not a magic bullet. It's important to remember that social commerce is just one piece of the puzzle, and it's important to have a well-rounded marketing strategy that includes other channels, such as email marketing, search engine optimization, and content marketing.